Great Burnet – Sanguisorba officinalis

Great burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis) can be planted at any time of the year, although it is probably best to sow the seed in the autumn. Great Burnet is a tall plant that has an elongated flower head. The leaves are green on the top but have a more grey colour on the underside and are said to look like a large salad burnet leaf but does not produce the distinct smell of cucumber when crushed.

The flowers are a deep burghundy colour and flower between June and September. The flower is a member of the Rose family and can survive many years due to its extensive root systems. The burghundy red flower head is oval shape and appears at the end of a long green stalk that often gives them the look of a lollipop.

Height: Up to 100cmFlowering Time: June to JulyPreferred Conditions: Flourishes in peaty / neutral soils. It can also grow well in dry conditions but is best suited to damp marshland areas.